Cancer Fighting Foods

There's some truth to the saying "you are what you eat." Several foods have been found to contain properties that help prevent diseases such as cancer. Read below to see what might be beneficial to your good health.

Flaxseeds

Good source of dietary lignin and Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Protective at the early stage of cancer development

Use ground flaxseeds for better absorption

Recommended 1 tablespoon per day

Flaxseed oil does not have cancer protective benefits

Sugar

You CAN eat sugar: sugar does not “feed” cancer cells BUT:

Stick with mostly naturally occurring sugars such as in fruit and dairy foods

Avoid foods and beverages high in processed sugars but low in other nutrients e.g.: soda and sweets

Choose whole grains over refined versions

Soy

Contains isoflavones – the anticancer compounds

Possibly beneficial but research is conflicting

Supplements containing isoflavones should be avoided

Up to 3 serving of soy food per day is safe

What is Considered 1 serving of soy food?

½ cup of Edammame

½ cup of cooked/canned soybeans

3 oz of tofu (1/4 block)

3 oz of tempeh

8 oz cup of soymilk

¼ cup of soynuts

1 Tablespoon of miso

Green Tea

EGCG – active ingredient with the highest anticancer activity

Japanese green teas are richer in the anticancer compounds

Brew tea for 8-10 minuntes to allow the adequate extraction of the healthy compounds

Recommended 3 cups of green tea per day

Cruciferous vegetables

Broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, bok choy

Active ingredient – sulforaphane

May protect against cancer by reducing the oxygen-free radicals that generate in the body

1 to 2 cups per day is recommended

Turmeric

Curcumin is an active ingredient

Anti- inflammatory - may help with the cancer cell self destruction

1 teaspoon of turmeric per day (8 grams)

Add to soups, salads, salad dressings, pasta dishes

Onions and Garlic

Members of the allium family, which also includes leeks, scallions, and chives